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Microsoft lays off 5,000 workers, including some in Boise

By Brad Talbutt - btalbutt@idahostatesman.com

Published: 01/22/09


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Microsoft Boise will not be spared as the software giant trims people from its global work force.

Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that it would cut 5,000 jobs in the next 18 months, mostly at its headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Company spokeswoman Beth Jordan did not provide a precise number for layoffs in Boise, but said the number would be proportional to the 5 percent being cut company-wide. About 100 people work for Microsoft Boise. That means perhaps five people could lose their jobs here.

The company recently moved into new offices in the Idaho Independent Bank Building in Downtown Boise, where it occupies 34,000 square feet on 2.5 floors. Jordan said the job cuts come from all departments of the company. The layoffs are the latest in the Treasure Valley's struggling tech sector. Micron Technology in October announced 1,500 layoffs. Nampa's MPC Computers, which employed about 500 people a couple of years ago, went out of business in late December after a series of layoffs.

Just this week, U.S. and international companies have announced more than 33,000 job cuts.

Intel Corp. announced late Wednesday that it would consolidate manufacturing operations as demand for its computer chips dropped, a move that could affect 5,000 to 6,000 jobs . Swedish wireless equipment maker LM Ericsson on Wednesday said it would cut 5,000 jobs as its profit dropped 31 percent in the fourth quarter.

Industrial parts and systems maker Eaton Corp. said Wednesday it would eliminate 5,200 jobs on top of 3,400 cuts announced last year.

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